ACTS 7 17-37

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

     Review — A group called Libertines couldn’t disprove the words of Stephen, so they made accusations about him, stirred up the people and a mob against him, and dragged him to court where they provided false witnesses against him. 

     Before the council (in court) Stephen continues his very good history lesson - 7:17 - “Meanwhile as the time drew near, for the promise [of a homeland] which God had promised Abraham, the people had increased and multiplied in Egypt. 18 And another king had risen in Egypt who didn’t know Joseph [and the nation as friends]. 19 And he dealt poorly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants [to the elements] so they would perish. 20 And it was at this time that Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God's sight.” {As all babies are.. Yet God was choosing/had chosen/predetermined Moses for his purpose. Interfering too much in this contrast/life as we presently know it.. well, what then would be the purpose?} “And Moses remained for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was put out in the elements, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own. 22 And so Moses was instructed in all the schooling and knowledge of the Egyptians. And he was also gifted in his words and in his deeds.”

     23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And then seeing one of them being beaten, he defended and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was going to deliver them by his leadership, but they didn’t.

     26 And on the following day he returned and saw some were quarreling and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you’re brothers. Why do you fight each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor {fellow person} pushed him aside, and said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?! 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?!’

     29 At this, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

     30 Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.” {Must be a strong metaphor here. Parable, in the literal. Fire that doesn’t consume. Is in the heart?}

     31 “Now when Moses saw that! He was amazed. And as he drew near to get a better look, there came from the bush, the voice of the LORD saying, 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and no longer dared to look. 33 Then the LORD said to him, ‘Take the sandals from off your feet, for the place where you’re standing is holy ground. {For God’s sake? Like he needs anything.. Or for Moses’ sake.. To DO something reverential.} 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in slavery and bondage in Egypt. I have heard their groaning, and I’ve come down to deliver them. So now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

     35 This Moses” Stephen continued, “whom they at first rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a judge and ruler?’ But it was to this man God appeared to in the bush. He was sent by the hand of an angel. 36 This Moses, is the one who led them out, and performed wonders, and signs in Egypt. And at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 And Moses is the one who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you the prophet like me, from among your brothers.’”

Next Week - 7:38-60

08-03- From Heb-13 Mk-4

8Th ‘Day’ Study, verses R paraphrased [ref] {thots}

Hebrews 13:8-14  Mark 4:35-41

            ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 13:8-14

8 - Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Don’t be misled by different, new, and strange teachings, for what’s good for the heart is to be strengthened by grace - not by foods, what to eat and what not to eat, which doesn’t spiritually benefit those devoted to it. {Must have been a prevalent idea at the time, there’s always a few?} 10 We have an altar from which those who {still} serve in the tent have no right to partake. {“Serve in the tent” - in the wilderness temple, all such - temple, holy days - are a portrayal of spiritual reality. The “law of Moses” was a system of rules for preserving society and character. Imperfect is entropy. It cannot make itself perfect in order to stop the entropy ..It’s a slow gehenna crucible that “doesn’t quit”.}

     11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place, by the high priest, are a sacrifice for sin. {And cure! A way stroNg enough to convince and appease every psyche and conscience.} And the dead body is burned up outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate (of the city wall) in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp (outside societal acceptance and approval - I read that in a commentary) and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city (world, kingdom) but we seek (await) the one that is to come!

            🌙 P.M. MARK 4:35-41

35 - Later that day, when evening had come, he said to the twelve, “Let’s go across to the other side.” 36 So leaving the crowd, they set off, and other boats were following along.

     37 But soon a great windstorm arose. The waves were crashing against the boat. It was being tossed to and fro, and the waters were cresting over the side! The boat was taking on water! 38 And Jesus was asleep on the cushion that’s in the stern of the boat.

     So they woke him and said, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re perishing!?” 39 So he got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” Then the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said, “Why were you afraid? Have you no faith?”

     41 And they were filled with wonder. And said to one another, “Who is this?! That even the wind and waves obey..”

           

Tomorrows verses, 08/04

Hebrews 13:15-25  Luke 8:19-25

Word references - biblehub dot com or app

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

07-31 - From Heb-12 Mk-4

8Th ‘Day’ Study, verses R paraphrased [ref] {thots}

Hebrews 12:25-27  Mark 4:13-23

            ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 12:25-27

25 - So take heed lest you refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel didn’t escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!

      26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth! And now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” {“Like figs blown by a strong wind”? Rev.6:13.}

     27 This - “Yet once more,” shows that all that can be shaken, will be shaken, and removed. Things having been made, if able to be shaken, will be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken (truth) will remain.

            🌙 P.M. Mark 4:13-23

Jesus said to his disciples and followers, “Do you not understand this parable?” [Of the sower.] “How then will you understand any of the parables?

     14 The sower sows the message [logos] of God.” [Logos - reasoning expressed in words, (the) message, God’s reasoning, boTh personified and written.]

     15 “And the seed along the path that gets eaten up by the birds, is about those who when they hear, Satan comes and takes away the message that was sown. 16 And the seed sown on rocky ground, are those who hear it and receive it with joy, 17 but they lack root in their selves, and endure only for a while, and when persecution or troubles and struggles arise because of the message, they fall away.

     18 And the seed sown among thorns are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world, the allure of the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things choke the message, and it proves to be unfruitful.

     20 But the seed sown on good soil, are the ones who hear the message (the logos) and receive it and bear fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold or even a hundredfold.”

     21 And he said, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket? Under a bed? Or on a lampstand? 22 Nothing is hidden except to be made known. Nor is anything secret, except in order to come to light. 23 Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”

           

Tomorrows verses, 08/01

Hebrews 12:28-29  Mark 4:24-29

Word references - biblehub dot com or app

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

07-25 - From Heb-11 Lk-7

8Th ‘Day’ Study, verses R paraphrased [ref] {thots}

Hebrews 11:22-33  Luke 7:24-35

            ☀️ A.M. 

Hebrews 11:22-33

22 -  By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, told them to take his bones with them, for he foresaw they would exodus from Egypt.

     23 By faith Moses, when born, was hidden for three months by his parents. They saw the child was blessed, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing instead to be mistreated with his own people, the people of God, rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt.

     26 He considered being out of favor because of Christ, to be greater wealth - than all the treasures of Egypt! For he was looking to the reward [misthapodosía - from misthós - reward, and apodídōmi - return, give back]. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king, for he endured by seeing he who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

     29 And it was by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they circled the walls for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were unbelieving, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. {“All those in the tombs/graves will come forth..” Jesus “will draw all” Jn.5:28,29 and 12:32.}

     32 And what more shall I say?! It would take too long to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,  33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions..

            🌙 P.M. Luke 7:24-35

24 - When John's messengers had gone, Jesus said to the crowds that were around him, “What was it you went out into the wilderness to see? Was it a reed shaken by the wind? 25 What was it you went out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Listen, those who’re dressed in fine clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts.

     26 What then did you go out to see? To see a prophet? Yes. And I tell you, more than a prophet! 27 This is he of whom it’s written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before you, who will prepare the way before you.’”{And so it is with the world’s “false prophet”. Prepares the way for the mankind and a.c. of lawlessness, etc.}

     28 “I tell you, among those born of woman, none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” {During long 2nd advent? Full scope version of his first so brief one, but with helpers serving called reigning? Crowns of Life, not metal.}

     29 When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too (disliked, even despised, because they collected taxes for Rome) they all declared God just, having been baptized (prepared) with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God, and were not baptized by John.

     31 “To what then shall I compare it? What are they like? 32 They’re like children in the marketplace, calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We sang a dirge, and you didn’t weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist (baptizer) has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified of her children.”

           

Tomorrows verses, 07/26

Hebrews 11:34-40  Luke 7:36-50

Word references - biblehub dot com or app

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

07-01- From Heb-7 Lk-3

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

Hebrews 7:11-12  Luke 3:7-14 and ACTS 4:23-37 separately

             ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 7:11-12

11 - If perfection had been achievable through the Levitical priesthood - for under it the people received the law - what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the priestly order of Melchizedek, rather than the already established one, named after the priestly order of Aaron? [Moses’ brother.] 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is a change in the law as well. {Jesus said it’s not enough to not murder (for example) but to hate is to commit murder in the heart. The Law is the same, we add to it - “love” as fulfilling it - because “love works no ill”, Ro.13:10, 1Cor.13. Keeping Sabbath is important, now daily as our rest is in Jesus, the new way/covenant, Heb.4.}

            🌙 P.M. Luke 3:7-14

7 - John {the baptist/baptizer, cousin or second cousin to Jesus? Lk.1:36} said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?!” {I’ve always thought this was said when the leaders, the Pharisees, etc got there(?) But, it says “to the crowds” .. “The poison of snakes is under our tongues!” Ro.3:13, Ja.3:8}

     8 “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance! And don’t even begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham! 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees! Every tree that doesn’t bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire!” {NoT an unfruitful or damaged tree into an ‘everlasting’ afterlife fire.. But think 70 CE.. cause and effect, no shield of God’s Spirit/Presence, add in how much the wolf hates and craves to destroy..}

     10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?!” 11 And he answered, “Whoever has two tunics, share with the one who has none, and whoever has food, do likewise.” {This is not via mankind government to the point of communism utopia which alas has always been anything but. This is our neighbor, and family, friends, acquaintances. And charitable gifts. Real life, not modern life’s political cubicles? Prone to mostly missing the mark due to bound to occur waste and misuse? Siphoning for political strengthening causes?}

     12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he told them, “Collect no more than you’re supposed to.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” He said, “Don’t extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation. And be content with your wages.”

           

Tomorrows verses, 07/02

Hebrews 7:13-17 Luke 3:15-22 Mark 1:9-13

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

06-26 - From Heb-6 Lk-2

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

Hebrews 6:1-6  Luke 2:21-38

             ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 6:1-6

1 - Therefore let us go on from the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God {stage one?} 2 and of the instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection [anastasis] of the dead, and of aiónios judgment. [Aiónios is the adjective of the noun, aion, root of eon, but translated eternal or forever.]

     3 And move on, we shall do, if God allows. 4 For it’s nigh impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, have shared in the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} 5 and have tasted the goodness of the message of God, and the powers of the coming age (“aion”) 6 and then have fallen away. It’s impossible - for us - to restore such a one again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God in their heart, and causing him to be ridiculed. {So if we’re teaching morality license, we’re working against God and his purposes.} 

            🌙 P.M. Luke 2:21-38

21 - And then on his eighth day, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

     22 And when the time came for their purification, according to the Law of Moses [after forty days] they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord at the temple, 23 as written in the Law of the LORD, it being written, “every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”. 24 And so they offered a sacrifice according to the Law, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” {Parallel and patterned after HiS being the only begotten, only straight out from God, who is Life.. Genius.. Perfection, and is called and will forever be “the Firstborn (of) all Creation”.}

     25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit{Presence of God} that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “LORD! Now you are letting your servant depart in peace! According to your word to me, 30 for my eyes have seen the salvation 31 you’ve prepared for all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the nations, and for glory to your people Israel!”

     33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed. 35 A sword will pierce through your own soul, and the hearts of many will be revealed.”

     36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the delivery and redemption [lýtron - full ransom-price] of Jerusalem.

           

Tomorrows verses, 06/27

Hebrews 6:7-11  Matthew 2:13-23

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

06-21 - From Heb-4 Lk-1

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

Hebrews 4:8-11 Luke 1:57-66

           ☀️ A.M. Hebrews 4:8-11

8 - For if Joshua [(righteous) leader after Moses] had led them to rest, God wouldn’t have spoken of another day of rest later. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. {Including what’s called “the” millennium, a Sabbath rest from the adversary. God created all in patterns including time, harvest and advents.. fulfilled in widening scope.. Like history and gospel - Israel first, then nations. Until reaching God’s ultimate “end-aim” - Greek word “tel” root of telescope.}

     10 And whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from their works as God did from his. {We’re not trying to earn God’s enduring Life, called eternal Life, It’s a gift ..”We’re the big door prize” John Prine (from the song “In Spite of Ourselves”.. We are whole burnt offerings on God’s altar.. So to speak.}

     11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so no one will fall {short} by the same sort of carelessness. {Being in God’s rest - sheltering under the wing of the almighty - dwelling in the realization of Him - is christian spiritual stability?}

            🌙 P.M. Luke 1:57-66

57 - The time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had blessed her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And - on the eighth day - they came to circumcise the child. {Symbolizes, in the “new” way (THE way) the removal of the self first and foremost, carnal character. The collective (spiritual surgery) completed during the “8th Day”/millennium, during GWT Judgment/Discernment/Review and “Aionion Kolasis”/Correction and closure for all ‘Day’.}

     And they thought he would be named Zechariah after his father, 60 but Elizabeth said, “No, his name is John.” 61 “But none of your relatives are named John!” they said.

     62 So they made signs to his father, asking what he wanted. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and he wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed, and he spoke and blessed God. 65 Wonder came upon the family and neighbors. And these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea. 66 For they wondered in their hearts, ‘What will this child be?’ For they could see that the hand of the LORD was with him.

           

Tomorrows verses, 06/22

Hebrews 4:12-16  Luke 1:67-80

Start/End the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32, 1Tim.4:10

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

ACTS 3 1-26

Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

(Review: When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind.. and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.. they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done.. On a day when) 1 - Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, an hour of prayer, 2 there was a man there who had been lame from birth and was carried daily and laid at one of the gates of the temple - the one called the Beautiful Gate. And he would ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing that day Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked alms of them. 4 And so they stopped, and Peter said, “Listen.” 5 And so the man fixed his attention on them, hoping to receive something.

     6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold. But what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right [dexios - from dechomai - to receive] hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.

     8 And leaping up! The man stood and began to walk. And he entered the temple with them, walking, and leaping, and praising God!

     9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 And they recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate asking for alms every day. And they were filled with wonder and amazement.

     11 While the man stayed near Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's Porch.

     12 And when Peter saw the crowd that had gathered, there at the temple, he addressed the people saying, “People of Israel, why do you wonder at this?! Or why do you stare at us? As though by our own power, or goodness, we have made this man walk? 13 No! The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

     14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you! 15 And you killed the Author of life! Whom God raised from the dead! And to this we’re witnesses! 16 And his name, faith in his name, has made this man strong, which you can see for yourself. And so the faith that is through Jesus has given to him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

     17 And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also the leaders. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that Christ would suffer, has been fulfilled.

     19 Repent therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out 20 and times of refreshing may come from the Presence of the LORD, that he may send the appointed one, Jesus 21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive, untiL, the time of the restoration of all, which God spoke of, by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. {Until the ‘Day’ of the LORD, which is also Jesus’ long second advent.}

     22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. And you shall listen to him! In whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who doesn’t listen to that prophet shall be separated from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘In your seed shall - all - the families of the earth be blessed.’”

     [Galatians 3:16 - “scripture doesn’t say seeds, meaning many, but seed, meaning one - Christ”. In Christ “all” families of earth shall be blessed.]

     26 “God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first - blessing you, by turning each of you {us} from your (our) bad” [ponéria - wicked, evil, malice, from pónos - pain, laborious trouble] {bringing?} “ways”.

Next Week - 4:1-22